Bolivia - Convert Foreign Driver License

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Procedure

All you have to do is go to the police station, show them your license which proves youre already well-trained to drive, and they will allow you to go through the application process without taking any written or driving tests at all. Prepare to pay about $40.00.

The application process will take a couple of hours, and it all takes place right there at the police station. However, you need to take a few specific documents with you first. You will need your identifying documents (passport, birth certificate) and you will need to know your blood type. If you have a medical document of any kind that clearly shows your blood type, great because if you dont, your next step will be to get your blood type tested on the second floor of transito.

You may or may not also be asked for a Registro de Domicilio. This is a document you get from the PTJ (Judicial Technical Police) next door. For a fee, a PTJ officer will go to your home with you to verify that you live where you say you live, then will fill out a certificate stating youve proven your place of residence. This will take up another full day of your time as you can't pick up that certificate until the next day because it has to be signed by someone important first.

Back at transito on the second floor you will approach an officer to request the application process begin, present your documents, and sign any forms they request, including two white cards which will eventually become your license containing your signature and photo. You will be fingerprinted. They will then take your photograph right there on the same floor and will ask you if you want one or two drivers licenses (ask for two if you lose one the process for getting another is much more difficult).

When you return, you will stand in line at a small door up on the second floor where you applied until your name is called. At that time, you will be given your finished, plastified drivers license(s) and you will have to sign for them.

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Required Documents

• Foreigner ID card or passport
• Certification from driving school accredited by SEGIP.
• Medical certificate issued by medical centre approved by SEGIP
• Certificate of criminal records from FELCC, FELCN and Transit Operational Organism
• Bank deposit slip from Banco Union for the relevant fees
• Evidence of minimum age requirement
• Applicants for Categories B or C licenses (professional) should submit a psychological evaluation certificate.

Office Locations & Contacts

Direccin de Trnsito
Av. Mariscal Santa Cruz and Oruro Street
La Paz, Bolivia
Phone: (591-2) 237-1226
Hours: Monday thru Friday, 08:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:45

Servicio General de Identificacion Personal (SEGIP)
National Office
Muoz Cornejo Street esq. Vincenti No. 2808, Sopocachi Zone,
La Paz, Bolivia
Tel: 591 - 2117405 02
Free Nnero: 800-100-004
Email: [email protected]

SEGIP Regional Offices

• Santa Cruz
• La Paz
• Cochababamba
• Oruro
• Potosi
• Chuquisaca
• Pando
• Beni
• Tarija

List of Financial Institutions

List of Medical Centers

List of Driving Schools

Police Contacts

Eligibility

Minimally, in order to obtain a license, you must be at least 18 years of age and have legal residency in Bolivia and have a driver license from your country of origin.

Fees

Explain the fees structure which is required for obtaining the certificate/document.

Validity

• Driving licenses for foreigner will be valid for the same period as their Foreigner ID card.
• It is supposed to be renewed every 5 years.

Documents to Use

Please attach documents that can be used by people. e.g. links

Sample Documents

Driver License Rules

Processing Time

You pay and the officers involved will let you know how soon you can return for your license usually in just 2-4 days, but depending on the political atmosphere, this could be delayed.

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications. 
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Instructions

• Foreign driving licences are valid in Bolivia for up to 180 days from the entry date to Bolivia
• You cannot apply for a Bolivian/International driving licence in Bolivia if you are not a resident in Bolivia
• Driving licenses for foreigners who are residents in Bolivia will be issued according to the type of visa they hold.

Required Information

Typically the drivers license contains your full name and surnames, your date of birth, your nationality, your address, your fingerprint, your carnet number (a Bolivian I.D. card you will get if you become a resident) which is also your drivers license number, and the type of driving you are allowed to do (cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses). It will also contain an expiration date.

Need for the Document

Converting a Foreign Driver License in Bolivia is not very difficult, and is easier yet if you obtain an international driving permit prior to arriving in Bolivia or, if you bring the drivers license you were issued in your country of origin.

Information which might help

The first step in your application process for a Bolivia drivers license will be to go to the police station in your city (transito). There, after presenting police officers with proof of your age, legal residency, and your previous driver's license (if you have one), they will determine whether or not to give you a written test.

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

This license allows foreigners or people in possession of driver licence not issued in Bolivia to drive legally in Bolivia.

External Links

http://www.boliviabella.com/drivers-license.html

http://www.segip.gob.bo/web/

http://www.policia.bo/

http://www.felcn.gob.bo/

Others

Getting a drivers license in Bolivia can be time consuming and will vary for each individual depending on your age, level of driving experience, whether or not you acquired an international drivers license prior to moving to Bolivia, and other factors. The police will require documentation to prove you have been granted legal residency in Bolivia and are of legal age.